Child psychiatry and psychology experts at the University of Minnesota are pushing for more personalized mental health care. That is why Gerald August, Ph.D., and Abigail Gewirtz, Ph.D., made personalized mental health intervention programs the focus of the newly founded Center for Personalization Research in Children’s Mental Health.
Traditionally, evidence-based mental health interventions (EBPs) use a planned model in which composition and dosage are predetermined based on factors in the patient’s case. This approach has helped some, but it hasn’t worked to its full potential. In many cases, EBPs can be costly and burdensome.
“Our interventions are designed to respond to the needs and preferences of children and their families,” said August. “The ultimate goal is to get the right intervention to the right client at the right time.”
Considered a groundbreaking approach to children’s mental healthcare, researchers will test interventions addressing a person’s biobehavioral vulnerabilities and contextual risk factors. As a second component, researchers will also assess how patients may benefit from participating in shared decision making with their healthcare provider. Once researchers identify how and why patients make certain clinical care decisions, different aids can be utilized, including pamphlets, DVDs, and other mediums.
This new method of pairing personalized assessments and EBPs will be an improvement in treatment for many children.
“We want to optimize treatment benefits while reducing burden, cost and stigma associated with conventional forms of mental healthcare,” said Gewirtz.
The post U of M doctors taking new approach to children’s mental health care appeared first on Health Talk.
